Technology That Helps Seniors Live Well in 2022

If you’re wondering how technology helps seniors live well, you’re in luck. Technology has advanced so much and is now so user-friendly, seniors are taking charge and living their best lives. In this article, we will review some of the latest developments older adults enjoy using to stay connected.

True high-tech is easy to use

There’s no longer any need to be apprehensive about becoming tech-savvy. The measure of the most cutting-edge technology is not how complex it is or how powerful it can be. The best technology is easy to use. That’s why it’s so many seniors are engaging technology to maintain and strengthen their bonds with family members.

Get back in the game

technology-that-helps-seniors-live-better-2022-videogames-voice-activated-tech-face-time-whats-app-virtual-assistant

If you can use a keyboard or if you can use your voice, you can get right back in the game with a rich, connected life. Whether you’re in a senior living facility or receiving senior care at home, all you need is an internet connection, and the world will come to you.

For a long time, technology has made it possible to play games, remind you of daily activities and even trigger an emergency response when necessary.

Today, simple-to-use devices can provide fall detection to family members and automatic alerts to the people you choose. Many of these devices are voice-activated and work in real-time as things are happening. The simplicity is a game-changer for everyone.

Face-to-face video chatting with friends and family

Absolutely nothing can replace being face to face with your family and friends. Well, now you can see their smiles up close even when their thousands of miles away. Face-to-face video chatting is easier now than it has ever been. Whether you have an Apple device or an Android device, you have a variety of ways to connect.

senior-tech-quality-of-life-saving-lives-video-chatting-stay-connected-voice-activated-older-adults

How to use WhatsApp, FaceTime, and Google Duo:

FaceTime for iPhone users: Go to settings on your iPhone or IPad and scroll to and tap”FaceTime.” There’s a slide-type switch next to it. Slide it over to activate it. Go back to your home screen and finger tap on the FaceTime symbol. Next, there’s a button in the top right-hand corner with a plus sign on it. Tap it. If this seems too difficult, text your contact and have them initiate a FaceTime call to you. That’s what I do.

Google Duo of Android users: So what, you don’t have an iPhone. You can use an Android tablet or phone to get the same thing. Simply use your browser to go to the Google Play Store. That’s where you can download Google Duo for free. Once you’re there, it couldn’t be more simple to use.

WhatsApp video calls for everyone: It’s the most used messaging application in the world. More than two billion people use it to message each other and video chat. Go to whatsapp.com and download the app for free. The rest is easy. That’s what makes it number one.

How to use a Ring Doorbell:

First things first, you can set up a Ring Doorbell anywhere. It doesn’t need to be at your front door. You can put it anywhere you want 2-way communication that features video and audio. When you use it at your front door, you can see who’s there, and you can tell them anything you like.

Buy one or more of the devices and create an account. If you have trouble with it, ask someone to help. Once you create an account, follow the instructions, and “presto,” you have a virtual butler to see who's at your door.

Hi, Echo, what is the weather forecast for today?

The Amazon Echo has been called a “gateway technology.” Once you use it, you’ll be hooked forever. Use it to set daily reminders, find out what the weather is going to be, or get a recap of the local news. It could not be easier to use.

Pretty soon, you’ll be asking it to tell you a joke or recite a recipe for you. Can you imagine? Just ask it anything. We can’t promise you’ll get the answer you want, but the fun you’ll have is guaranteed to make you smile.

technology-that-helps-seniors-virtual-assistant-Amazon-Alexa-stay-connected-older-adults-fall-detection

Tile: How to never lose anything again:

I don’t care what age you’re at; misplacing things is a pain. Keys, wallets, your passport, a scrap of paper with the combination to your giant safe – you can find anything with a Tile attached to it.

I have no idea how it works. Maybe it’s pure magic. What I can tell you is that it couldn’t be easier to locate whatever you’re looking for when you put a Tile on it and you search on a smartphone or tablet.

The easiest way to track your vitals:

The latest bracelet activity monitor can track your blood pressure. How about that? Of course, you can keep track of how many steps you take a day. It can measure your heart rate, and it can tell you what time it is.

There are quite a few of these products that are available today, so make sure you read the reviews before you buy.

How to get the technology you need

If you’re at a facility, the Executive Director will be more than glad to help. If you’re at home, try searching on Google. At Wytcote, our only goal is to help seniors live their best lives, and we’d be happy to help you find what you need, wherever you are.

How Technology Provides Peace of Mind to Seniors

Whether you are an in-home senior or and out-of-home senior, modern technology can help you make things easier for yourself. There aren’t any complicated new skills you need. Gone are the days that just getting the VCR to stop flashing 12:00 was a challenge for all but the geekiest tech savvy person.

High tech today is designed with normal people in mind. Intuitive and easy-to-understand technologies for seniors have been refined and simplified over time. This tech is giving peace of mind to seniors all across the world.

Stay connected

When we get older and wiser, we finally realize what’s truly important in life. And that is to stay connected to family members and friends.

Today’s advanced devices are designed to help you stay close to the people you love, and that love you. Many devices can be voice-activated. You can make calls and set reminders without having to type endlessly on or peck on a touch screen to accomplish what you want.

Video chatting can bring you face to face

peace-of-mind-for-seniors-video-chat-technology-tech-zoom-skype-facetime-WytCote-Wellness

If you cannot be in the same room with friends and family as often as you would like, video chatting is almost as good. You can’t get or give a hug over the internet, but you can look into the eyes of the person you’re talking to. It is so comforting to see the face of the people you love.

Safe and sound senior living

Have you heard the expression, “It takes a village?” Well, as an older adult, if you can’t go to the village, the virtual village can come to you.

Way, way back you could always count on a neighbor to lend a hand. People knew almost everyone else in the neighborhood, and someone to help or visit with was never too far away. Things are different now.

However, today you can be part of a virtual neighborhood made up of friends and family that might be in a different city or even a different country. And with today’s smart devices, you can connect with them almost as easily as you could when you lived across the street from a kind soul. It’s as close as you can get to them in real-time.

Senior care has been simplified

Senior living does not have to include having someone who is there 24/7. There are many seniors who prefer to be as independent as they can whether they are in or out of the home. This is where today’s advanced technology and care systems really shine.

There are wearable smart devices with fall detection sensors that will alert caregivers automatically. You don’t have to do a thing. The same goes for monitoring your blood pressure and your heart rate. Smartwatches and wearable blood pressure monitors are very convenient for seniors who prefer not to slow down to monitor their vitals.

An overview of how technology provides peace of mind

tech-savvy-senior-living-fall-detection-play-games-high-tech-video-chatting-stay-connected-family-members

Smartphone apps for older people

The Apple App Store is a great place to start if you have an iPhone or an iPad. If you prefer Android devices, Google has a vast number of apps for you to use for all sorts of things.

Ordering take-out is like ordering room service at a hotel

It’s not like it used to be. The pandemic accelerated the number of fast and easy-to-use delivery services that can deliver from your favorite restaurant.

Here are just a few of the delivery services you can use:

Uber Eats

DoorDash

Grubhub

Grocery delivery

For those seniors who like to cook for themselves, many grocery stores provide delivery service, and you can always opt for Amazon Fresh.

Prepared meals and semi-prepared meals

Sometimes cooking from scratch is a lot of work. These services can accommodate your needs:

Instacart

HelloFresh

Silver Cuisine

Blue Apron

Getting around town

Who needs a car when you can order an Uber or a Lyft any time you like? Your community may also have its own complimentary transportation services for seniors. In addition, there may be a regional transportation service meant for senior citizens that you can use. One of them is GoGoGrandparent.

Challenge someone to play games with you

Many smart devices are fun to play games with. You can track your own progress and then video chat with your friends to compare scores. Wordle is a great word game that offers a new word quiz every day. These are great for residents in memory care units.

An overview of smart devices

Smartphones are much easier to operate than they used to be. And a lot of them are powerfully little computers that can do amazing things for you.

voice-activated-smart-speaker-peace-of-mind-to-seniors-living-technology-WytCote-Technologies-assisted-living-virtual-assistant

Wearable fitness trackers

Some of them look like bracelets. At the same time, others look like a watch. All of them can perform a variety of functions that can help you stay healthy and let others know how you’re doing.

Tablets and E-Readers

Tablets and iPads are just like a laptop, only simpler to use. They can do just about anything a computer can, and they’re much easier to carry around. E-Readers may not be as versatile, but they can sure make reading a book an absolute pleasure no matter how large you want to make the type.

Medical Alert Systems & Devices

These have been around forever. Today, they come in many forms, and they have a variety of settings so you can determine who will be contacted should you have an accident. There’s also professional backup with a trained operator who can step in to help.

At home or away – these devices can be indispensable

Smart speakers like Google Assistant, Apple Siri, and Amazon Alexa can give you reminders, make calls, play music, and give you up to the minute weather data.

Smart Sensors like Nest, Abode, and Aloe Care learn your daily activities and monitor what’s happening in your home. The sensors will send out an alert if anything out of the usual occurs.

Audio/Video Doorbells with TalkBack -- Blink, Arlo, Nest, and Ring are some of the most popular. You don’t even have to be home to see who is ringing your doorbell, and the best part is you can talk to whoever is there.

5 Tech Gifts for Seniors That Could Save Their Life

Tech gifts for seniors are great gifts – modern technology even has the potential to save a life. Seniors are embracing technology at a fast rate, and it’s changing their lives for the better. According to one study, the use of technology by the elderly population significantly contributes to a better quality of life; ensuring seniors are happier, healthier, and safer.

Many tech devices exist in the market today, and people are taking advantage of them. Care communities are already using a range of artificial intelligence-powered tools like sensors, robots, and software to address various senior needs. For example, they’re using monitoring devices to collect residents’ data more easily. Sensors and other AI-powered devices also give healthcare professionals better visibility into resident’s health and so on.

While it comes to tech for seniors, there’s nothing like one-size-fits-all. It’s therefore essential to consider the physical needs, lifestyle, and interests of the senior before picking a tech gift. A good example is a GPS for dementia patients or webcam for isolated residents in senior living communities. With that in mind, here are the top 5 tech gifts for seniors that could save their lives.

Fall monitor

A fall monitor is one of the best tech gifts for seniors since it could save their lives with emergency response. That’s because falls – or the fear of them – can have a heavy impact on the quality of life of older adults. Your loved one, like other seniors, may be afraid of falling and, as a result, limit their social activities and engagements.

This may result in forced social isolation, physical decline, feelings of helplessness, and depression. But with a fall detection device at hand, your loved one might feel free to move around, knowing that help is just around the corner, should they fall.

fall-monitor-wearable-device-tech-gifts-for-seniors-nursing-home-assisted-living-care-quality-of-life

A fall detection device is a thoughtful tech gift for seniors, especially since slips and falls are prevalent as adults age. According to the CDC, an adult aged 65+ suffers a fall every second in the US.

From these falls, more than 32,000 die, and 1 in 5 end up with an injury like a head injury or broken bone. An automatic fall detection system ensures older people get help fast when they fall. This could mean the difference between life and death.

The best part is that fall detection devices are often built into wearable bracelets, watches, hip-worn devices, or pendants. So, they aren’t just a lifesaver but also a beautiful addition to their overall look. Most fall detectors automatically detect falls, making them a perfect gift for the elderly.

Easy Webcam

An Easy webcam is yet another best tech gift for seniors that can help with recording video or webcam monitoring. Studies have shown that older people who regularly communicate with their loved ones are generally happier and healthier. They also experience low anxiety, depression, and chronic illness and have better cognitive health, increased longevity, and improved mobility.

Staying connected is especially critical to the quality of life in memory care. According to an Alzheimers.net post, dementia patients can recall how an event made them feel, even when they can no longer remember names and faces.

But maintaining close contact with your loved one who lives far away or in an assisted living home can be hard. That’s when an easy webcam can make a huge difference. Gifting your loved one with a webcam shows your desire to engage them face-to-face.

With such a tech gift, you can keep in touch with the seniors in your life while seeing their faces and expressions. It’s a more personal experience than a traditional phone conversation and a perfect way to maintain a long-distance relationship.

With a webcam in place, your loved one will be able to interact with the rest of the family and see everything as though they were there in person. But most importantly, it will give you a glimpse into the level of care your loved one is getting. With webcams, you could tell whether they are neglected, abused, or well-cared for.

Smartwatch

smart-watch-tech-gift-for-seniors-elder-care-assisted-living-homes-nursing-home

Watches have always been a great gift choice for years. They are one of those gifts you’re confident your loved one will appreciate. Smart watches are trendy and thoughtful but could also be a lifesaver, especially for seniors. Those designed for seniors can monitor vital signs, play music, answer voice messages, detect falls, track senior location, measure workouts or walks, etc.  

A smart device can handle a range of critical things that matter in the life of an adult. For instance, it will remind independent seniors of important events like doctor appointments or time to take drugs, and so on. A smartphone could do all these things – but a smartwatch is more beneficial since it’s wearable and always with your loved one at all times.

On top of that, a smartwatch provides an early alert of incidents ranging from high stress to heart rate. It also provides continuous daily risk assessment and detects warning signs of deteriorating health issues in independent living patients and those in care services. Some watches can even be set up as fall detection technology. This allows medical attention to be offered at the earliest opportunity.

Home security

If your senior loved one lives independently, then a gift that enhances their security can be a great idea. Seniors often feel vulnerable at home and worry about break-ins and intruders. They may also overlook health and safety hazards like carbon monoxide, smoke, or frozen pipes because of age-related issues. Home security can come in handy in such cases and give you and your loved one some refreshing peace of mind.

A home security system is a significant investment, but one that’s absolutely worth gifting your loved one. This is especially true for seniors with mobility issues, delayed reaction times, and deteriorating hearing. With such a system in place, you can easily monitor the home and allow your loved one to be more independent. Seniors can also easily alert authorities about any medical emergency – all with a tap of a button.

Examples of home security systems in the real estate industry include video cameras, glass and motion sensors, home automation, alarms, lighting, etc.

Smartphones and virtual assistants

top-5-tech-gifts-for-seniors-smart-phone-virtual-assistant-technology-quality-of-life-for-elderly

Virtual assistants (VA) like Siri and Alexa can be great tech gifts for the elderly. Once set up, these technologies can do so much for the senior. For instance, one could use the tech to call for help, communicate with loved ones, or learn anything. Some assistants can be used as medical alert systems.

The interaction, albeit with a virtual assistant, may reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness. Social isolation increases a person’s risk of premature death.

In addition to VAs, you can buy smart tools like smartphones or Kindles for senior entertainment. This will open up your loved one to a whole new world that’s engaging, fun and diverse.

There you have it, the top 5 tech gifts for seniors that could save their lives. Whether your loved one is getting home care services or is in a short-term or long-term stay facility, these products and services will help ensure a better quality of life.